Don L. Wortham

Don L. Wortham, 77, of Midland, went to sleep peacefully in the Lord at Terrace West Nursing Center and awoke in his permanent home with Jesus on Friday, June 28, 2012. He was born on July 25, 1934 in Woodson, Texas. Don was a Band Director by profession, in both junior high and high school levels, directing band for many years at Alamo Junior High in Midland. He was subsequently an English and ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher at Alamo Junior High and in the community. He was a member of the National Guard from 1955 to 1963. Don also played saxophone in the Texas Tech Raider Marching Band and swing dance bands in the Big Band Era, and played stand up bass for Midland Community Theatre musicals and the Midland Symphony. His interests included family, friends, church, Bible study, fellowship, and music. Don loved Irish music and had an enthusiastic zest for life.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Noble L. Lester and his mother, Amy L. Miller Wortham Yeary, as well as by beloved stepfather, Carl B. Yeary.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife and love of his life, Dorothy Wortham and his son, Gary and wife, Katy Wortham of Pflugerville, TX; and his daughter, Dee Ann (Wortham) Birdwell and husband, Larry Birdwell of Austin, TX. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Lauren (Birdwell) Mavromaras and husband, Marco and Christina Herrera and husband, Orlando, all of San Antonio, TX; and Chris and wife, Tammy Kubicek of Taylor, TX; and his great grandchildren: Gabriel, Aidan, Cameron, and Landon Herrera of San Antonio, TX. Other survivors include his brothers, Claude and wife, Frances Wortham of Lubbock, TX; and Robert and wife, Sandra Wortham of Fort Worth, TX.

The funeral service is planned for Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 3:00pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Reverend Randy Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland, TX. Condolences may be offered at: www.ellisfunerals.com.